The African Union (AU) on Monday condemned the post-election violence and recent killings in Mozambique, calling for calm in the southern African country.
AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed “deep concern over the reported cases of post-election violence and, in particular, the recent killings,” according to a statement issued on Monday.
Condemning the recent killing of two individuals associated with an opposition figure and expressing his sincere condolences to their families, Faki called on Mozambican security authorities to undertake the necessary investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Media reported that the two individuals, associated with Mozambique presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, were recently gunned down in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, amid heightened post-electoral tension in the country.
The AU Commission chief urged all political actors to maintain a peaceful disposition as the country awaits the official declaration of the final election results by the Constitutional Council.
He further called for calm and utmost restraint while urging all political parties and their supporters to allow due process in the overall supreme interest of stability in Mozambique.
Mozambique 2024 general elections marked the seventh presidential election, with the ruling party Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, 47, aiming to succeed incumbent President Filipe Nyusi, who is completing his second and final term in office.
In a preliminary statement issued shortly after the general election in Mozambique that was held on Oct. 9, the AU Election Observer Mission to Mozambique said the election was held “in a peaceful and orderly manner and that the process was held in accordance with the electoral law and fundamental rights and freedoms.”